How to Undermine New York's Anti-Crime Success

The NYPD already has layers of oversight. An 'inspector general' would damage accountability and policing.

By

Robert M. Morgenthau

May 2, 2013 6:55 p.m. ET

Pending before New York's City Council is a bill that would create an office of inspector general for the New York Police Department. The office would have authority to investigate and recommend changes to the policies, programs and practices of the NYPD.

Pollsters at Quinnipiac University said last month that 66% of New Yorkers surveyed supported the creation of an inspector general for the department. But the poll also found that 60% approved of the job the police are doing and 65% approved of the job performance of NYPD...